Product Evaluation

COLTENE

HyFlex EDM

With an innovative manufacturing process using electric discharge machining, this NiTi one-file endo system offers extreme flexibility and fracture resistance for quick, easy, and reliable results

F or endodontic procedures, Dr. Todd Sarubin was searching for “an easier rotary file system with great strength and less chance of breakage that can be used on all root canals.” But finding an intuitive system that meets these criteria is often easier said than done. To meet this challenge head-on, Coltene introduced the HyFlex EDM NiTi rotary endodontic file system, created with an innovative manufacturing process called Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) that produces durable, flexible files.

According to Coltene, the EDM manufacturing process uses spark erosion to harden the surface of the NiTi file, resulting in very high fracture resistance and cutting efficiency, with the same controlled memory effect and regenerative properties as the HyFlex CM files. The HyFlex EDM system reduces the number of files needed for cleaning and shaping without compromising preservation of the root canal anatomy. After using the HyFlex EDM file system during 7 root canals involving molars, premolars, and anterior teeth, Dr. Sarubin determined, “It’s easy to use, resists fracture, and has different file sizes and shapes for narrow through wide and curved canals.” He also discovered that “root canals take less time, fewer files are needed for even some of the more difficult canals, and canals are shaped better.” Dr. Sarubin concluded, “If you want a great, strong, fracture-resistant rotary file system, this is the one.”

Cutting Efficiency & Canal Navigation

“I love the feeling of these files,” said Dr. Varo Boyer, explaining, “The cutting efficiency is amazing; it cuts quickly, efficiently, and cleanly, and the HyFlex EDM gutta percha points fit precisely after using the rotary files.” Dr. Scott Schaffer, a general dentist accustomed to reciprocating file systems, told DPS the system “worked easily with minimal steps, and was better at filing curved canals.” Endodontist Paul Kaplan called it “dependable and efficient in removing debris and creating space for irrigant,” and Nilay Nanavati, DDS, said, “Cutting efficiency was excellent and the glide path file made getting to the apex a simple process.”

Flexibility & Durability

“I like the flexibility of the files, allowing them to easily work on curved canals without engaging aggressively,” remarked R.J. Sondkar, DDS. Endodontist Grace Chu, DMD, found the files “very flexible and great for navigating tighter curves,” and Dr. Boyer said, “The flexibility provides reassurance that the files won’t separate.” Another endodontist, Alan Sedell, DMD, was “pleased with file durability and breakage resistance,” while Dr. Arthur Schlachtman reported that 1 file separated at the handle during use. “I like how the HyFlex files can be pre-bent, which allows ease of insertion, especially on mesial canals on 2nd molars,” said Dr. Alfred dela Cruz. “They’re durable, sharp, and—after sterilization and reusing 3 times—didn’t appear worn or excessively dulled,” he added. Dr. Nanavati said the files enabled “efficient root canal treatment with little risk of breakage,” and suggested a wear guide to indicate when to replace the files.

When asked about file sizes, Dr. Kaplan said he liked “the number of file choices based on diameter,” while Dr. Sedell suggested more choices in smaller sizes. Dr. dela Cruz said he would like “a bigger final file for necrotic cases on anteriors and palatal canals on upper molars or distal canals on lower molars."

Practice Benefits 

ractice Benefits “The system was easy to use and systematic,” said Dr. Abraham Jaskiel, who “liked the way sequenced files led to color-coded paper points and gutta purcha, with each fitting well to that last file size.” Previously experiencing “slow instrumentation of canals and complex sequences,” Dr. Boyer said, “The shaping and finishing sets are very complementary and easy to use, and I’m no longer afraid of file separation.” Noting that HyFlex EDM files “made it so much easier for me to prepare, clean, and shape the root canal space,” Dr. Kaplan determined that “it made the procedure easier and faster, which benefited the patient.” Calling the system intuitive, Dr. Eric Winterton reported reduced chair time with “no breakage so far,” and Dr. dela Cruz said the system “reduced chair time by about 15-20 minutes for molar endos, and 10-15 minutes for anteriors.” The HyFlex EDM system “helped reduce the number of files needed,” which made the chairside experience “faster and smoother,” described Dr. Sedell. Dr. Shari Mathew liked the “ease of use and flexibility to navigate the canal” and said the system allowed him to complete root canals faster and easier “without the fear of breakage.”

“It helped reduce the number of files needed and made the chairside experience faster and smoother.”

Alan Sedell, DMD

Englewood, NJ

Overall Satisfaction

Dr. Sondkar called HyFlex EDM “definitely a good file system for the general dentist,” and Dr. Nanavati said it’s “an excellent modality for efficiently and safely completing root canal therapy.” Dr. Boyer noted, “It made my endodontics a step simpler and more predictable,” and Dr. Sarubin commented, “[HyFlex EDM] saves chair time, saves patients long appointment times, produces great results with little postoperative pain, and the price per file packet is very reasonable.” Concluding that “the files are ideal,” Alan Howard, DMD, shared, “It’s a great product that’s simple to use and achieves excellent results.”

Takeaways

• NiTi files feature excellent flexibility, fracture resistance, and cutting efficiency
• Innovative manufacturing process uses Electric Discharge Machining for unique durability
•  Reduced number of files needed for cleaning and shaping canals
• A highly intuitive system that helps dentists achieve quick, easy, reliable results

• HyFlex EDM files have controlled memory effect